Invoking Article 5

Article 5 is the cornerstone of the Alliance. It means that an attack on one is an attack on all. This article has been invoked only once in the 70-year history of the Alliance: in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States. In this episode we discuss how NATO came to the aid of the US and why article 5 was invoked.

We speak with Lord George Robertson about his recollection of the hours and days following the 9/11 attacks and we discuss the significance of the decision to invoke Article 5.

HOSTS: Dr. Stella Adorf, Master Sergeant Alex Burnett, Dr. Linda Risso

GUESTS: Lord George Robertson, Michael Ruehle

SOURCES:

NATO Declassified: 9/11 and beyond
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_137125.htm

NATO and the days after 9/11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=num7UD4oAME&list=PLFE2C29A8E575D5EB

Statement by the North Atlantic Council, 11 September 2001
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_18863.htm?selectedLocale=en

NATO's Response to Terrorism, 6 December 2001
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_18848.htm?selectedLocale=en

Statement on combating terrorism: Adapting the Alliance's Defence Capabilities, 18 December 2001
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_18843.htm?selectedLocale=en